SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain: Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe both struck from the penalty spot to earn Real Madrid a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.
The Spanish champions moved within a point of leaders Barcelona who face last season’s surprise package Girona on Sunday.
Real Sociedad hit the woodwork on three occasions before Madrid’s second half spot-kicks earned them three points from an end-to-end clash at the Reale Arena.
“It was a tough game, probably we didn’t deserve to win because Real Sociedad played very well... but we bore it out, we suffered, we were committed in the tough moments of the game and I value that a lot,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“This sacrifice and commitment from a team with such quality, you cannot always find — and today we found it.
The Italian was without injured midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, and benched Rodrygo Goes for Brahim Diaz.
After Mbappe netted twice to score his first La Liga goals in his previous outing, all eyes were on the French forward.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker forced Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro into a smart save and had a surging run forward cut short by some last-ditch defending.
Real Sociedad hit the woodwork for the first of three occasions when new arrival Luka Sucic slammed an effort from distance against the bar.
Ancelotti brought on Rodrygo after Diaz suffered an injury and the champions came close through Antonio Rudiger’s header, clawed out by Remiro, and an Mbappe effort across the face of goal.
At the other end Real Sociedad forward Sheraldo Becker struck the bar when played in.
Sucic fired a low strike against the post early in the second half as the Basque side lacked luck in front of goal and Madrid inevitably capitalized.
Vinicius fired home from the spot in the 58th minute after Sergio Gomez handled Arda Guler’s drive and Mbappe soon followed suit.
The French superstar sent Remiro the wrong way from the spot after Jon Aramburu stood on Vinicius’ foot.
Madrid saw the remaining 15 minutes out without stress ahead of their return to Champions League action on Tuesday against Stuttgart.
Mbappe now has three goals in five La Liga matches for Madrid, although two have come from the penalty spot.
Los Blancos last tasted defeat in La Liga in September 2023, going 37 league matches unbeaten since.
“We had a great first half, we had a lot of chances, the game was alive,” said Real Sociedad’s Igor Zubeldia.
“In the second half we started well but the penalty was a tough blow... we were comfortable, it changed the whole game for us.”
Earlier Sevilla earned their first victory of the season with a tight 1-0 triumph over Getafe and Villarreal moved provisionally third with a 2-1 win at Mallorca.
Vinicius, Mbappe penalties help Madrid beat Real Sociedad
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Vinicius, Mbappe penalties help Madrid beat Real Sociedad
- The Spanish champions moved within a point of leaders Barcelona who face last season’s surprise package Girona on Sunday
The secret history of Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia
- In just 5 years, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit has become a fixture in the racing calendar
JEDDAH: As McLaren’s Oscar Piastri lifted the winner’s trophy on Sunday night, the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix marked a milestone that goes far beyond the checkered flag.
With its fifth edition concluded, Jeddah is now not just another Grand Prix for racing fans; it is the world’s fastest and second-longest street circuit in Formula 1 history.
In just five years, the Kingdom has turned its coastal circuit into one of the most talked-about stops on the Formula 1 calendar.
This anniversary is not just a celebration of fast cars and thrilling races, but also a testament to the Kingdom’s pursuit of global sports recognition.
As the roar of engines faded into silence and the grandstands emptied, the importance of this race in the Kingdom’s sporting history is just beginning to sink in.
Few know the backstory and how a series of off-track moves, quiet negotiations, and long-term ambitions brought the sport onto Saudi Arabia’s soil.
Before the first engine revved up in 2021, the wheels had already been set in motion.
Secret push behind the Grand Prix
Long before the first roar of Formula 1 cars echoed along Jeddah’s Red Sea coast, the idea of bringing the world’s fastest sport to Saudi Arabia was quietly gaining traction in various boardrooms in Riyadh.
It was not just about motorsport, it was a calculated move tied to Vision 2030: to diversify the Kingdom’s economy, elevate its global image, and position Saudi Arabia as a serious player in international sports.
The deal was not public at first. Whispers began to be heard in early 2018, shortly after Saudi Arabia secured rights to host the all-electric Formula E in Diriyah.
That event was seen as a trial, a soft launch into global motorsport. Behind the scenes, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Ministry of Sport began mapping a larger ambition: securing Formula 1.
The official announcement came in November 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a bold move that stunned even some insiders in the racing world.
Critics questioned the timing, but for the Kingdom, this was the perfect moment.
Strategic move to choose Jeddah
The decision to host the race in Jeddah — and not the capital — raised eyebrows. But the logic was simple. Jeddah, a historical port, was undergoing a visual transformation.
Placing the circuit along the Corniche, with the glinting Red Sea as a backdrop, created a visual spectacle few other Formula 1 circuits could match.
But there was more at play. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s beating commercial heart, a cosmopolitan city and symbol of the new Saudi Arabia identity.
The Kingdom was not just launching a race, it was rebranding itself to the world, and Jeddah became the face of that campaign.
And then came the design: the fastest street circuit in Formula 1 history.
Designed by Carsten Tilke, son of renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke, Jeddah featured 27 turns and blisteringly high-speed straights, challenging drivers in ways no other urban race ever had.
5 years of speed, stats, surprises, standout moments
Since its debut in December 2021, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has carved out its own identity.
Fastest street race: It is one of the quickest on the calendar, with cars averaging over 250 kph. In 2021, Lewis Hamilton clocked the fastest average qualifying lap on the circuit.
Second-longest: At 6,174 km, it is one of the longest circuits in the world.
Most turns at 27: Most Grand Prix tracks have 14 to 20, but Jeddah has 27 corners, with sweeping bends and blind apexes, making it technically demanding.
Built in under eight months: It was designed and constructed in less than a year, an incredible feat for a Grade 1 FIA-approved circuit. Over 30,000 tons of asphalt, 600,000 work hours, and thousands of workers were involved.
Historic debuts: The 2021 race was the first Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, marking the Kingdom as the 34th country to host a Formula 1 contest.
Dramatic finishes: From the Max Verstappen-Hamilton showdown in 2021 to chaotic safety-car dramas and nail-biting late-race restarts, Jeddah’s circuit never delivered a dull contest.
Global spotlight: Over 140,000 fans attended the race weekend in 2023, with millions more watching worldwide.
But perhaps the most surprising statistic is that it has become one of the top-five most-watched races globally, according to F1 media tracking.
Looking ahead, the futuristic Qiddiya circuit is on the horizon. The new entertainment and tourism city is set to become home to one of the most advanced motorsport facilities in the region.
It is a project promising to blend adrenaline, innovation, and entertainment in a way the sport has never seen before.
Global Champions Arabians Tour debuts on the sands of Miami Beach
- The event was attended by Jeff Bezos, DJ Khaled, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Terrence J and other celebrities
MIAMI: The Global Champions Arabians Tour, the world’s premier Arabian horse championship series, made its debut in Miami with a star-studded event held from April 17-19.
The event was the second stage of the GCAT Americas series and delivered a dazzling display of world-class Arabian horse excellence, international glamour, and signature Miami Beach luxury.
Over the course of three days, the event welcomed guests including VIPs, industry leaders, and international media. Set against the Atlantic shoreline, the event transformed Miami Beach into an equestrian stage, welcoming more 100 horses and handlers from around the globe to compete for GCAT points and a share of the Americas circuit’s $2.7 million prize fund. Categories were judged on type, head and neck, body, legs, and movement.
In the grand finale on Saturday evening the following horses captured Gold Championship titles:
Senior stallions: Tasheem PMA, owned by Theresa Lungwitz – Royal T Arabians, USA
Senior mares: Exxaltress, owned by Orrion Farms, USA
Junior colts: STA High Voltaj, owned by Al Wajba Stud, Qatar
Junior fillies: Ibitsam Aljassimya, owned by Al Jassimya Farm, USA
Yearling colts: Masarat, owned by Orrion Farms, USA
Yearling fillies: Rohara Aria Heiress, owned by The Aria Partners, USA
The closing ceremony featured aerial performances, immersive lighting, and live entertainment, with a performance of “All I do is Win” by DJ Khaled.
“The Miami Beach stage has exceeded all expectations,” said Faleh Al Nasr, chairman of the Global Champions Arabians Tour. “We’ve brought the passion and artistry of Arabian horses to a global audience here, in a city that embraces culture, elegance, and excellence.”
On Thursday evening, 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting gave a beachfront performance that drew a crowd of notables including Jeff Bezos, DJ Khaled, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Lisa Hochstein, Julia Lemigova, and Kiki Barth from “Real Housewives of Miami”, Jon Vilma, businessman Michael Cayre, Etienne Sabino, Emily Austin, Jamie Reuben, Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and more. Meanwhile Saturday featured a performance from Miami’s own Flo Rida and drew appearances from DJ Khaled, Jeremy Piven, Terrence J, model Karolina Kurkova, Martina Navratilova, Bethenny Frankel, Alexia Nepola, Alexis Stoudamire, and Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez.
As part of the 2025 GCAT Americas circuit, the Miami Beach stage followed the season opener in Scottsdale, Arizona, and precedes additional stages in Sao Paulo, Brandon (Canada), and Las Vegas — all leading to the grand finale at the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha, Qatar.
Pistons snap NBA playoff skid, vintage Leonard leads Clippers past Nuggets in Denver
- The Pistons, in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, notched their first playoff victory since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics
- Leonard made 15 of his 19 shot attempts and the Clippers withstood NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic’s triple-double
LOS ANGELES: The Detroit Pistons snapped their record 15-game NBA playoff losing streak with a 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday to level their Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece.
Cade Cunningham scored 33 points with 12 rebounds and Dennis Schroder added 20 points off the bench — including a go-ahead three-pointer with 55.7 seconds left — as the Pistons thwarted another Knicks’ rally bid.
The Los Angeles Clippers also bounced back from a Game 1 defeat, beating the Nuggets 105-102 in Denver behind a brilliant 39-point performance from Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard made 15 of his 19 shot attempts and the Clippers withstood NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic’s triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to level their Western Conference series at 1-1.
The Pistons, in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, notched their first playoff victory since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
Two days after the Knicks authored a 21-0 scoring run to rally in Game 1, the Pistons were pushed to the finish in a fast-paced, physical encounter at Madison Square Garden.
They led by as many as 15 in the third quarter, but the Knicks had cut the deficit to eight going into the final period.
New York star Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth and fed Josh Hart for a dunk that tied it at 94-94 with 1:15 to play.
But Schroder answered immediately, drilling a three-pointer that put the Pistons ahead for good.
The Knicks came up empty on three straight possessions while Schroder and Jalen Duren connected at the free-throw line to seal Detroit’s win.
Tobias Harris scored 15 points and pulled down 13 rebounds and Duren had 12 points and 13 boards for the Pistons, who host Game 3 on Thursday.
“Feels good to represent the city like we did tonight,” Cunningham said. “It’s something that the city’s been waiting on a long time, so we feel good about it and we’re ready to get back to the crib and perform in front of them.”
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was irked at what he considered inconsistent officiating, noting that the Pistons went to the free-throw line 34 times to the Knicks’ 19.
“If Cunningham’s driving and there’s marginal contact and he’s getting to the line, then Jalen (Brunson) deserves to be getting to the line,” Thibodeau said.
It was another pulsating contest in Denver, where the Clippers bounced back from a narrow Game 1 overtime defeat thanks to a vintage performance from Leonard — an NBA champion in 2014 and 2019 who has been hindered by injury in recent seasons.
Leonard set the tone early, making nine of his 10 shots in the first half and sending the Clippers into halftime up 55-52 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
In a game that featured 18 lead changes, the Nuggets tied it at 100-100 with 2:07 to play on a three-pointer by Murray.
But Norman Powell came up with a steal and drained a three-pointer and Leonard made a jump shot to put the Clippers up 105-102. Leonard stole a Jokic pass with 37.3 seconds left and Los Angeles held on as Christian Braun and Jokic missed in the waning seconds.
“I just kept going and stayed in the zone,” Leonard said. “I didn’t worry about what shots were making or missing. I just kept shooting.”
Ostapenko on upward trajectory as clay season gains momentum
- Her ninth tour-level title, and just her second on clay, lifted Ostapenko six places in the world rankings to 18th, marking her out as a dark horse ahead of Roland Garros, which begins on May 25
Jelena Ostapenko is starting to show shades of the form that saw her crowned French Open champion eight years ago with the Latvian knocking over the top two players in the world en route to winning the Stuttgart Open title on Monday.
Ostapenko became the first woman to beat the world number one and number two in the same claycourt event since Serena Williams at Madrid in 2012 by beating Aryna Sabalenka in the final and Iga Swiatek in the quarters.
Her ninth tour-level title, and just her second on clay, lifted Ostapenko six places in the world rankings to 18th, marking her out as a dark horse ahead of Roland Garros, which begins on May 25.
“Honestly, I didn’t tell anyone, but I felt confident since the first day. I had a strange feeling in a good way,” she told reporters in Stuttgart.
“When I came here, I felt like something’s going to happen this week. I pretty much felt that I can win this tournament.
“I think I’m improving day by day and I’m playing better and better. I think I deserve it.”
Ostapenko, who also beat Swiatek on the way to the Doha final in February before losing to Amanda Anisimova, has failed to reach a Grand Slam final since her Roland Garros breakthrough in 2017.
However, she said playing without the burden of expectation had worked wonders for her this season.
“I had enough pressure in my career,” Ostapenko told the WTA website. “I didn’t feel it even though it was the final. In my mind, I was just playing a match.”
Ostapenko will be in action in Madrid this week and is also dreaming of another deep run in Paris.
“Obviously I can play well on this surface,” she added.
“I will take it match by match, but anything can happen.”
The Pope with ‘two left feet’ who loved the ‘beautiful game’
- Messi: A different Pope, close, Argentinian... Rest in peace, Pope Francis
- His love of football was inseparable from his loyalty to the San Lorenzo club in Buenos Aires, where he went to watch matches with his father and brothers
VATICAN CITY: His predecessor loved Mozart, but Pope Francis’s passion was football — for him “the most beautiful game” and also a vehicle to educate and spread peace.
From Argentine compatriots Lionel Messi and the late Diego Maradona to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gianluigi Buffon, Francis received the greatest stars of football at the Vatican, signing dozens of shirts and balls from around the world.
And the admiration flowed both ways. Following news of the Pope’s death on Monday at the age of 88, Messi took to Instagram to pay tribute.
“A different Pope, close, Argentinian... Rest in peace, Pope Francis,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner posted. “Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you.”
Francis often recounted playing as a young boy on the streets of Buenos Aires, using a ball made of rags.
While admitting he was “not among the best” and that “he had two left feet,” he often played as goalkeeper, which he said was a good way of learning how to respond to “dangers that could arrive from anywhere.”
His love of football was inseparable from his loyalty to the San Lorenzo club in Buenos Aires, where he went to watch matches with his father and brothers.
“It was romantic football,” he recalled.
He maintained his membership even after becoming pope — and caused a minor uproar when he received a membership card from rivals Boca Juniors as part of a Vatican educational partnership.
Francis kept up to date with the club’s progress thanks to one of the Vatican’s Swiss Guards, who would leave results and league tables on his desk.
On Monday, San Lorenzo’s home page showed a large photo of a smiling pope under the club’s blue-and-red striped emblem, and the words: “Goodbye forever, Holy Father!”
Football is often compared to a religion for its fans, and Francis held numerous giant masses in football stadiums during trips abroad.
French Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard, the Vatican delegate for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, said he understood the crucial role played by football.
“Whether you are an amateur or professional footballer, whether you like to watch it on television, it makes no difference: this sport is part of people’s lives,” he said.
But it was not just an end in itself — Francis, a Jesuit, also saw football as a way of spreading peace and education, despite the money and corruption linked to the sport.
In 2014, the Olympic stadium in Rome hosted an “inter-religious match” for peace at his initiative.
“Many say that football is the most beautiful game in the world. I think so too,” Francis declared in 2019.
As early as 2013, addressing the Italian and Argentine teams, Francis reminded players of their “social responsibilities” and warned against the excesses of “business” football.
The pontiff’s love for the game inspired a scene in a film “The Two Popes,” in which former pope Benedict XVI and then-cardinal Jorge Bergoglio watch the 2014 World Cup final between their two countries, Germany and Argentina.
It was pure fiction, as the soon-to-be Francis gave up watching television in 1990 — the year West Germany beat Argentina in the World Cup final hosted by Italy — while his predecessor preferred classical music and reading.
His enthusiasm for football said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on Monday bore “witness to a joyful spirit and his ability to connect with people through warmth and a sense of shared humanity.”
Francis never mentioned the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, which took place in the midst of a dictatorship when he was a provincial leader of the Jesuits.
But he dedicated an entire chapter of his 2024 autobiography to Maradona, whose infamous “hand of God” goal helped Argentina beat England in their 1986 World Cup quarterfinal clash.
“When, as pope, I received Maradona in the Vatican a few years ago... I asked him, jokingly, ‘So, which is the guilty hand?’” he said in 2024.
And asked once who was the game’s greatest player, Maradona or Lionel Messi, the pope hedged his bets.
“Maradona, as a player, was great. But as a man, he failed,” Francis said, referring to his addictions to cocaine and alcohol.
He described Messi as a “gentleman,” but added that he would choose a third, Pele, “a man of heart.”
